P-Plate Legal Cars QLD - High Powered Vehicle Restrictions Explained
P-Plate Legal Cars QLD - High Powered Vehicle Restrictions Explained
Head in your hands trying to buy a P-Plate legal car for a fussy teenager? When looking for a new car, factors like resale value, safety, economy, maintenance, and the initial cost is enough to confuse the most prepared shopper. Add into the confusion that the car is for a P-plater that is most likely a teenager, and you may find yourself with your head in your hands in confusion and frustration trying to understand the QLD Restrictions for P1 and P2 licence holders for High Powered Vehicles.
So, if you are confused about which Toyotas are suitable for your P1 or P2 licenced drivers, you are in the right place. Here we will make it simpler to navigate the minefield, leading to a yes or no answer for your fussy teenager. If you already own a Toyota and want to know if your P1 or P2 licenced driver can drive it, you can check here.
What Restrictions Apply to P1 and P2 Licenced Drivers in QLD?
High powered vehicle restrictions in Queensland apply to P1 and P2 licence drivers under the age of 25. Generally, supercharged, turbocharged, and V8 powered vehicles are out of the equation, but not always. There are some exemptions and rules that can lead to a happy ending for your Toyota loving teenager.
Some turbocharged cars can appear on the P-plater legal car list that may surprise you as they meet a power-to-weight requirement. Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2010 are classed as high-powered in Queensland if they have the power-to-weight ratio of more than 130kw per tonne.
There are also exemptions to some vehicles if the P1 or P2 licence driver requires it for work purposes. You can apply for exemptions for that purpose here.
Force fed diesels are permitted under some circumstances, hence why the Toyota Landcruiser is exempt and can be driven by P1 and P2 licence holders.
To be certain you are purchasing a P-Plate legal vehicle in Queensland; you can check any vehicle's high powered vehicle status on the Queensland Transport and Services website.
What is the Difference Between P1 and P2 Licences in QLD?
P1 is the first licence that you graduate to after a period on Learners. P2 is the licence you graduate to after a year on a P1 Licence. Over or under 23 at the time of passing your P-Plate test, you may need to be on P2 for one or two years before moving onto your full licence. The most fundamental differences between the P1 and P2 licence is the passenger, handsfree phone and some night-time driving restrictions. A P-Plate must still be displayed; you must always carry your licence, abide by the zero-alcohol policy, and cannot drive a high-powered vehicle.
Toyota Models and the Power-to-Weight Ratio Test
The power-to-weight ratio is calculated by dividing the car's maximum engine power in kilowatts (kW) by the tare mass and multiplying the result by 1,000.
Some turbocharged vehicles can be exempt from the high-powered vehicle restrictions, and you can check by using this equation at home.
Is the All-New GR Yaris P-Plate legal in Queensland?
The specs for this model are: Max Power - 200Kw. Weight - 1645kgs.
You would calculate this as (200 divided by 1645) x 1000 = 121.5Kw per tonne.
The power to weight ratio is less than 130Kw/t, so, therefore, the all-new Toyota GR Yaris is P-Plate legal.
Is the GR Supra GT P-Plate Legal in Queensland?
The specs for this model are: Max Power - 250kw. Weight - 1815kgs.
You would calculate this as (250 divided by 1815) x 1000 = 137.7Kw per tonne.
The power to weight ratio is above 130kw/t, so the Toyota GR Supra GT is not P-Plate legal in Queensland.
This equation is relatively simple, but we all know the law is not, and it is fluid and changes regularly.